Oh, I don't know. becuz they can?
... or perhaps it was to avoid something like this ...
Posted on 08/18/2011 2:40:25 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
Back in the 1990s, when it seemed like electric vehicles were gaining traction with consumers, Costco did something unusual: the big-box retailer installed charging stations at many of its California locations. Now, however, those stations are being removed, and electric car fans aren't happy.
According to Plug In America, Costco has offered no official explanation for removing the charging stations other than the Xeroxed signs taped to each that read, "Please be advised that this electric charger will be removed on August 15th, 2011. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Costco's move seems curious for a couple of reasons. For starters, the California Energy Commission has launched a special grant program to fund the upgrade of older, AVCON charging stations to newer J1772 models that can accommodate modern electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. Costco would seem to be tailor-made for that initiative, so why not apply?
But apart from the fact that upgrading should be of minimal cost to Costco is the fact that sales of electric cars and plug-in hybrids are booming these days. At a time when other companies (even McDonald's!) are rolling out the red carpet for electric vehicle owners, why would Costco yank the rug out from under them?
(Excerpt) Read more at greencarreports.com ...
Oh, I don't know. becuz they can?
... or perhaps it was to avoid something like this ...
“booming? compared to what?”
Obama 2012 bumper stickers?
somebody must have read the electric bill
yah, and what about the power it takes to create the electricity. Pretty sure there’s a lot of coal, oil, nuclear energy. So, where’s the environ savings? Also, and this is a big point. The batteries used in the Prius, for example, are made out of nickel. One of the most toxic elements in existence.
Booming compared to battery-powered roller skates!
Thanks NormsRevenge — and thanks Costco.
The only way electric vehicles are going to take off is if there are pay at the outlet charging stations. Electric vehicle drivers not willing to pay for to cart their asses around can A) stay home, B) STFU, and C) be branded with a large red letter “P” — for parasite.
Laughable. A complete lie.
I guarantee you that a combination of unreimbursed costs, a total lack of consumer demand, The Peoples Republic of California hyper-regulations, and liablity concerns killed the silly plug in stations.
“the fact that sales of electric cars and plug-in hybrids are booming these days”
Assuming that fact were true, it explains exactly why they would remove them.
It takes hours to charge a car, even if they charged for the power (which I don’t know if they do), they could never make a profit because of slow turn around.
Combine that with the hassle of dealing with idiots arguing about who gets to use the charger and the risk there will be even more of them next year....It’s a good time to get out of the EV charging business.
Compared to new job creation!
“Geez... Doesn’t it take a while to do any significant charging? How many customers could get any use out of the thing in a day? Does Costco charge anything for somebody to use their electricity and tie up the charger- or do they have more than one at a store?”
Being that I don’t own an electric car and live in an area (Texas) where they are rarer than, well.... electric cars, would someone please explain the billing process to me? Guess there’s a method to insert a credit card into the charging station and subsequently be charged for the amount of electricity extracted?
Compared to before the Bush Recession ended. Consider the source. These are environuts. Truth has no relevance to them.
That was UNEXPECTED!!!
EPA & IRS audits coming in 3,2,1...
And remember, CostCo leans WAY to the LEFT. Big union, donations overwhelmingly to Democrats, etc. Yet they still pulled the plug. Heh.
They keep their feet on the political ground only because the even-further-left types tend to lump CostCo in with other “big box” stores like the conservative-leaning WalMart/ Sam’s Club, and to oppose any such stores.
Obligatory "Idiocracy" reference.
It’s because they have to revamp their security systems so the cameras are actually working when they call the police to shoot their customers!
I think the "plug" on the vehicle is not the same as any NEMA plug; and the charging stations have a cord with the power on the female side, using a mating "special" receptacle.
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